So we got into a little bit of trouble for this, but it was worth it! That what slumber parties at auntie's house is all about, right? Could have been worse- she keeps promising puppies and pierced ears. And cotton candy. And a pony.

Favorite new outfit:

diaper and sunhat.

babytuf.

Like mother, like father like baby... Thank you, Alaska fishing friends, for coming through!

lounging with mom

and pops... go blazers!

Shower time is the BEST!

working up a smile for nana
matchy-matchy with pappi

Auntie Elizabeth is the best for cuddling! We had some serious R&R while she was here.

loving up on uncle chris

Hangin' out with Nana and Pappi just before they take off to So Cal-
trying to be cute as ever so they'll take me to Disneyland!

MY BAD.

I feel like the worst sister in the world! It seems as if Swift has no aunt at all. Truth is, she's been the one taking all the pictures, so if it weren't for her, it wouldn't seem Swift has parents. Memry was at the birth- the whole epic journey- arriving after happy hour on her bicycle full of smiles and jokes that hit the dead air of pain surrounding my every move. It's a strange thing what being outside of your body does- I could hardly appreciate her contributions with my consciousness, but I know that I couldn't have made it through to the other side without her and wouldn't have wanted to, either. It was such a good feeling to have the epidural set in and finally feel present for an experience that she had been sharing with us for hours. Memry grabbed me apple juice and ice and then my knees and told me to push. Gavin and her were the perfect team, and I wouldn't want anybody else at that vantage point, so I'm glad it worked out the way it did.
Now she has kindly informed me that it seems like maybe I should include her on the blog.
This glaring omission is obviously the work of a novice blogger, but it's no excuse. It's no excuse, either, that new auntie Memry has been in Bali for 12 days (acquiring amazing baby accessories- silver bracelet! skeleton dress!) so lets not consider that to get us off the hook.
Thank you for understanding that bogging isn't easy and nobody said that we're good at it. I hope she still thinks I'm a good sister. I think she's the greatest Aunt- ever. So does Swift.
I also think she's the greatest sister, because she is so understanding and forgiving and kind.
Please forgive me, kind sister, and understand that you always seemed present in every entry and every day, as you are a critical part of everything in my eyes.
We promise to be better about documenting it.

dear friends and family, and all those who blur the lines:
thank you for your tremendous outpouring of support. your gifts, kind words, well wishes and amazing food helped perfect this experience. we are humbled by many things: how beautiful and amazing she is, the challenges this new life presents, and how generous all you have been. we are working on getting our thank-yous out, but as there are many and our arms are full, it has taken longer than we had hoped. please know we are thinking of you, thanking you, loving you, and looking forward to our opportunity to give back. this experience helps us understand the concept of "it takes a village..." in a whole new way!
our child is very lucky to be surrounded by so much love. and so are we.
thank you again, and forever.
the blackstocks

if you've got to cover a butt with something:

it should be really soft and have a tail.
happy easter! it would be much more enjoyable holiday if you knew how cute you were in a bunny suit holding a bunny or if you could eat chocolate.

it's a shame we ever have to diaper it...

showing off her butt for grammy! (who's been asking for pictures of it bare before it becomes "round" and "firm" ? ) I'm just wondering when we'll be able to decipher it from the many other rolls knee to knee. I hope you enjoy these, mom, cause it's risky business managing an infant without diapers! They were good times, though- she loves being bare-assed.

grandpoop

we're going to try this and see how it goes: per pop's request, we will address him "grandpoop". I cant wait until we're in a crowded public space and she yells that to get his attention. luckily crowded public spaces are not grandpoop's style, and I imagine we'll be so delighted to be together that she could call you anything and we'd be smitten.

Hello Spring!

Feeling Grass on my feet for the first time!

Ali & Evan

Our Dear Friends, Ali & Evan....Thanks for dinner last night!

Extended Dove Vivi Family

Nathaniel hogged all the quiet time with me......then passed me off to Gabi....

I Love Grandmom Carole

airing her neck and leg rolls out

tipping the pizza scales at almost 11 lbs!

grandma's first time changing swift's diaper. i just can't believe that she had two babies using cloth diapers with no running water. mad props- it's hard enough with pampers

getting to know each other before leaving the hospital and into the world.

cuddle time

she's a good sleeper, too

... i take it back... it's just as probable that she's sleeping- during the day.

first photo

this, appropriately, is our first photograph taken of our little lady. before she was not such a little lady. due to the copious amount of time spent since in this exact position. it only seemed fair to post this, for if you imagine her or visit in person, it's likely this is where she is stationed.

All ready for summer already!

SWIFT ALTHEA SIMONE BLACKSTOCK

Swift Althea Simone arrived on March 12, 2009 at 4:38 AM.
She weighed 7lbs 11ozs and stretched in at 20 in.
She now resides with her proud parents, Gavin and Delane, and
her guard dog, Shade, in Portland, Oregon.